Flooding has long been a critical issue for communities across New York, with infrastructure challenges often exacerbated by increasingly severe weather events. In the Village of Pelham, located in Westchester County, addressing stormwater management deficiencies has been a pressing priority. AI Engineers, Inc. (AIE) has played a key role in tackling this challenge through the North Pelham Watershed Drainage Improvement Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing the region’s ability to withstand extreme precipitation events and reduce flood risks.
Julianne’s Playground: A Community Landmark
At the heart of this project is Julianne’s Playground, a beloved community park named in memory of Julianne, a young girl who tragically passed away from childhood cancer. The park serves as both a recreational space and a memorial, making it an essential part of the neighborhood. Recognizing its significance, AIE ensured that the flood mitigation infrastructure was seamlessly integrated into the park’s design, preserving its purpose while enhancing its functionality for residents.
Addressing the Flooding Challenge
The Village of Pelham’s 256-acre watershed has historically struggled with inadequate stormwater drainage, leading to frequent and severe flooding. The existing infrastructure was insufficient to handle heavy rainfall, with drainage capacity limited to 1.7 inches of rainfall far below the demands of modern climate conditions. AIE’s assessment, initiated in December 2023, identified several key deficiencies, necessitating a comprehensive and forward-thinking solution.
AIE’s Engineering Solutions
AIE provided planning, design, and engineering services to develop an upgraded stormwater infrastructure system capable of significantly improving flood resilience. The core elements of this initiative included:
1. Advanced Drainage System
Our plan incorporated enlarged culverts and additional outfalls to improve stormwater conveyance. By increasing the efficiency of water flow, these upgrades help prevent stormwater from backing up into streets and residential areas.
2. 3-Million-Gallon Detention System
A major component of the project was the design and installation of a detention system capable of holding up to 3 million gallons of stormwater. Strategically placed within Julianne’s Playground, this system effectively retains an excess runoff, increasing stormwater capacity from 1.7 inches to 8.96 inches a fivefold improvement.
3. Pump House Integration
To complement the detention system, AIE designed a pump station to efficiently channel excess water away from flood-prone areas. The pump house was constructed within Julianne’s Playground in a way that enhanced, rather than disrupted, the park’s environment. This included the addition of modern restrooms, accessible water fountains, seating for tennis spectators, and splash pads, making it a valuable asset to both stormwater management and community recreation.
Overcoming Key Challenges
The complexity of the North Pelham Watershed Drainage Improvement Project required AIE to carefully navigate a range of challenges, including:
Multidisciplinary Coordination: Collaborating with various engineering disciplines to ensure a smooth and effective integration of infrastructure upgrades.
Environmental Compliance: Adhering to state and federal environmental regulations to minimize ecological impacts.
Community Integration: Ensuring that the new infrastructure complements the existing park, maintaining its role as a central gathering space for residents.
The Impact of AIE’s Work
These solutions have greatly strengthened the Village of Pelham’s ability to manage flooding, offering lasting benefits to residents and local businesses. The project not only enhances flood mitigation by reducing the risk of water damage to homes, roads, and public spaces but also preserves and improves Julianne’s Playground, ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible gathering place for the community.
AIE’s Commitment to Smart, Sustainable Engineering
We are committed to delivering infrastructure solutions that balance innovation, sustainability, and community needs. The North Pelham Watershed Drainage Improvement Project is a testament to our ability to design and implement engineering solutions that not only address critical challenges but also enhance the environments in which people live and play.
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